jigs and fixtures

1. LOCATING AND CLAMPING
METHODS

2.  Jigs and fixtures are the economical ways to
produce a component in mass.
 These are special work holding and tool guiding
device.
 Quality of the performance of a process largely
influenced by the quality of jigs and fixtures used for
this purpose.
 The main purpose of a fixture is to locate and in the
cases hold a workpiece during an operation

3. A jig differs from a fixture - it guides the
tool to its correct position or towards its correct
movement during an operation in addition to
locating and supporting the workpiece.
An example of jig is when a key is
duplicated, the original key is used as base for
the path reader which guides the movement of
tool to make its duplicate key.

4. PURPOSE AND ADVANTAGES OF JIGSAND
FIXTURES
1) It reduces or sometimes eliminates the efforts of
marking, measuring and setting of workpiece on a
machine and maintains the accuracy of
performance.
2) The workpiece and tool are relatively located at
their exact positions before the operation
automatically within negligible time. So it reduces
product cycle time.
3) Variability of dimension in mass production is very
low so manufacturing processes supported by use
of jigsand fixtures maintain a consistent quality.

5. PURPOSE AND ADVANTAGES OF JIGSAND
FIXTURES
(4)Due to low variability in dimension assembly
operation becomes easy, low rejection due to les
defective production is observed.
(5)It reduces the production cycle time so increases
production capacity. Simultaneously working by more
than one tool on the same workpiece is possible.
(6)The operating conditions like speed, feed rate and
depth of cut can be set to higher values due to rigidity
of clamping of workpiece by jigsand fixtures.

6. PURPOSE AND ADVANTAGES OF JIGSAND
FIXTURES
(7)Operators working becomes comfortable as his
efforts in setting the workpiece can be eliminated.
(8)Semi-skilled operators can be assigned the work so
it saves the cost of manpower also.
(9)There is no need to examine the quality of product
provided that quality of employed jigs and fixtures is
ensured.

7. IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHILE
DESIGNING JIGS AND FIXTURES
(a) Study of workpiece and finished component size and
geometry.
(b) Type and capacity of the machine, its extent of automation.
(c) Provision of locating devices in the machine.
(d) Available clamping arrangements in the machine.
(e) Available indexing devices, their accuracy.
(f) Evaluation of variability in the performance results of the
machine.
(g) Rigidity and of the machine tool under consideration.
(h) Study of ejecting devices, safety devices, etc.
(i) Required level of the accuracy in the work and quality to
be produced.

8. Location refers to the establishment of
a desired relationship between the
workpiece and the jigs or fixture correctness
of location directly influences the accuracy
of the finished product.
LOCATION???...

9. The jigs and fixtures are desired so that all
undesirable movements of the workpiece can be
restricted.
Determination of the locating points and
clamping of the workpiece serve to restrict
movements of the component in any direction,
while setting it in a particular pre-decided
position relative to the jig.

10. Before deciding the locating points it is
advisable to find out the all possible
degrees of freedom of the workpiece.
Then some of the degrees of freedom or
all of them are restrained by making
suitable arrangements. These arrangements
are called locators.

11. LOCATING METHODS
JIGS & FIXTURES

12. It is a work holding device that holds,
supports and locates the workpiece and
guides the cutting tool for a specific
operation.
JIGS

15. FIXTURES
It is a work holding device that holds,
supports and locates the workpiece for a
specific operation but does not guide the
cutting tool.

21. FACTORS CONSIDERED FOR DESIGN, FABRICATION AND
ASSEMBLY OF JIGS AND FIXTURES

25. Degree of Freedom
Degree of Freedom is defined as
number of independent motion a body
has

26. 3-2-1 Principle of Clamping Workpiece
It is principle of clamping widely used.
1) 3 Pin are used at Bottom
It willrestrict 4 Rotational motion (X,YAxis) and 1 Translation
motion (-Z Direction)
2) 2 Pin
It willRestrict 2 Rotational Motion (Z Axis) and 1 Translation
motion in (+X Direction)
3) 1 Pin
It willrestrict 1 Translation Motion (+Y)
And Pin 3-2-1 combined willrestrict 9 Motion
And Remaining 3 Motion is used to set work-piece at desired
location and can be restricted by Clamp.
(*Notation given i.e +X, -X . Changes according to views)

28. Some basic principles or rules need to be followed
while planning for locating blanks in fixtures, such as
 One or more surfaces (preferably machined) and / or
drilled / bored hole(s) are to be taken for reference
 The reference surfaces should be significant and
important feature(s) based on which most of the
dimensions are laid down
 Locating should be easy, quick and accurate
 In case of locating by pin, the pins and their mounting
and contact points should be strong, rigid and hard
 A minimum of three point must be used to locate a
horizontal flat surface
 The locating pins should be as far apart as feasible

29.  Vee block and cones should be used for self-
locating solid and hollow cylindrical jobs
 Sight location is applicable to first – operation
location of blank with irregular surfaces produced
by casting, forging etc. when the bracket is first
located on two edges to machine the bottom
surface which willbe used for subsequent locating.
 Adjustable locating pin(s) is to be used to
accommodate limited part size variation

31. For locating large jobs by rough bottom
surface one of the three pins may be
replaced by a pivoted arm.
The pivoted arm provides
points.
two contact

34. General methods of locating
Locating blanks for machining in lathes
In lathes, where the job rotates, the blanks are located
by
 fitting into self centering chuck
 fitting into 4 – independent jaw chuck and dead
centre
 in self –centering collets
 in between live and dead centres
 by using mandrel fitted into the head stock – spindle
 fitting in a separate fixture which is properly clamped
on a driving plate which is coaxially fitted into the
lathe spindle.

37. Locating for machining in other than lathes
 In machine tools like drilling machine, boring
machine, milling machine, planing machine,
broaching machine and surface grinding machine
the job remains fixed on the bed or work table of
those machine tools.
Fixtures are mostly used in the aforesaid machine
tools and jig specially for drilling, reaming etc. for
batch production.

38. Locating by flat surfaces
a
)
b
)
c
)

41. In several cases, workpieces are located by
premachined (drilled, bored or pierced) holes, such as;
∗Locating by two holes where one of the pins has to
be diamond shaped to accommodate tolerance on the
distance between the holes and their diameters
∗Locating by one hole and an external pin which
presents rotation of the blank around the inner pin
∗Locating by one hole and one Vee-block

44. Locating on mandrel or plug Ring or disc type
work pieces are conveniently located on
mandrel or single plug.
LOCATING ON MANDRELOR PLUG

46. Supporting –principles and methods
Workpiece has to be properly placed in
the jig or fixture not only for desired positioning
and orientation but also on strong and rigid
support such that the blank does not elastically
deflect or deform under the actions of the
clamping forces, cutting forces and even its own
weigh

47. Basic principles or rules to be followed while
designing or planning for supporting
should be provided at least at three
 supporting
points
 supporting elements and system have to be enough
strong and rigid to prevent deformation due to
clamping and cutting forces
span should not be large to cause
 unsupported
sagging
 supporting should keep the blank in stable condition
under the forces

48.  for supporting large flat area proper recess is to be
provided, for better and stable support.
 round or cylindrical workpieces should be supported
(along with locating) on strong vee block of suitable
size
 heavy workpieces with pre-machined bottom surface
should be supported on wide flat areas, otherwise on
flat ended strong pins or plugs.
 if more than three pins are required for supporting
large workpieces then the additional supporting pins
are to be spring loaded or adjustable

49. additional adjustable supporting pins need to be
provided
∗to compensate part size variation
∗when the supporting surface is large and irregular
∗when clamping and cutting forces are large
• ring or disc type jobs, specially requiring indexing
should be supported (and located) in mandrel

54. What is Clamping?
Once workpiece is located, it is necessary to
press it against locating surfaces and hold it there
against the force acting upon it.
The tool designer refers to this action as
clamping and the mechanisms used for this
action are known as clamps.

55. Clamping Principles
•Clamp should firmly hold the workpiece
without distorting it.
•Should overcome the maximum possible force
exerted on workpiece by using minimum
clamping force
• Easy to operate
•Vibrations should tighten the cams and wedges
in the clamp design(if any) and not loosen them

56. Types Of Clamping
• Mechanical Actuation Clamps
• Pneumatic and Hydraulic Clamps
• Vacuum Clamping
• Magnetic Clamping
• Electrostatic Clamping
• Non Mechanical Clamping
• Special Clamping Operations

57. Clamping of workpiece in fixtures
In jigs and fixtures the workpiece
or blank has to be strongly and rigidly
clamped against the supporting
surfaces and also the locating features
so that the blank does not get
displaced at all under the cutting forces
during machining.

58. While designing for clamping the
following factors essentially need to be
considered :
 Clamping need to be strong and rigid enough
to hold the blank firmly during machining
 Clamping should be easy, quick and
consistently adequate
 Clamping should be such that it is not affected
by vibration, chatter or heavy pressure
 Way of clamping and unclamping should not
hinder loading and unloading the blank in the

59.  the clamp and clamping force must not damage or
deform the workpiece
 clamping operation should be very simple and
quick acting when the jig or fixture is to be used
more frequently and for large volume of work ο
clamps, which move by slide or slip or tend to do
so during applying clamping forces, should be
avoided
 clamping system should comprise of less number
of parts for ease of design, operation and
maintenance

60.  the wearing parts should be hard or hardened and
also be easily replaceable
 clamping force should act on heavy part(s) and
against supporting and locating surfaces
 clamping force should be away from the
machining thrust forces
 clamping method should be fool proof and safe
 clamping must be reliable but also inexpensive

61. Various methods of clamping
Clamping method and system are basically of
two categories :
(a) general type without much consideration on
speed of clamping operations
(b) (b) quick acting type

62. PrinciplesofClamping
•Position
•Strength
•Productivity
•Operatorfatigue

63. PrinciplesofClamping
Position:
• Clamping systemshould be positioned atthicksections
of the workpiece.
• Clamping should be positioned to directtheclamping
forceon astrong,supportedpartof theworkpiece.
• Clampingon unsupported part bends
slender workpieces, affects accuracy of operation.
Distortionof
unsupported
workpiece

64. • Clamping systemshould not obstruct loadingand
unloadingof theworkpiece.
• Clamping systemshould not obstruct the pathsofcutting
tool.
• Operator should be able to operate clampseasilyand
safely
• A vertical hole drilled in the bent workpiece would
become angular when the unclamped workpiece springs
back to its originalshape.

65. • Clampingforce shallbe directed towards support / locators.
PrinciplesofClamping

66. • Clamp shall be directly in line withthesupport
PrinciplesofClamping

67. • Clampingforce shallbe directed towards support / locators.
PrinciplesofClamping

68. • Clampsshallapply force againstsupported area of workpiece
PrinciplesofClamping
Good Bad

69. PrinciplesofClamping
Strength:
• The clamping system should be capable to hold the
workpiece securely against the forces developed during
operation.
• Clamping device should be capable to be unaffected by
the vibrationsgenerated during anoperation.
• The clamping force should not dent or damage the
workpiece with excessivepressure.

70. • For clamping weakandfragileworkpiece,clampingforce
should beequally distributed over a wider area of the
workpiece.
• While clamping soft workpiece, clamps should be fitted
with pads or softer materials such as Nylon or Fibre to
prevent damage and denting of the workpiece.
• Clamping faces should be hardened by proper treatments
to minimize their wearingout.

71. PrinciplesofClamping
Productivity:
• Clamping time should be
minimised by using hand
knobs, tommy bars, knurled
screws, handwheels and
handles, so that clamp can
be tightened or loosened
manually without using
spanners.
• Most of the clamps use
hexagonalnut or hand nut
Hand operated
clampingdevices

72. PrinciplesofClamping
Handoperated
clampingdevices

73. PrinciplesofClamping
OperatorFatigue:
• Operator fatigueshould be taken intoaccount.
• Clamping should be operatorfriendly.
• Clampingandreleasingshould be easyand lesstime consuming.
• Maintenanceshould beeasy.
• If considerable number of clamps are to be tightened or
loosened repeatedly, it is better to use pneumatic or hydraulic
clampingwhich reducesoperatorfatigueandsavesclampingtime.
• Handnutsare more convenient for the operator than hexagonal
nutsbecausea spanner isnot required to tightenthem.

74. Methods ofClamping
Clamping method and system are basically of two
categories:
1.Generaltypewithoutmuchconsiderationof the
speedof clampingoperations.
2.Quick acting clamping method / quick action
clamps.

75. TypesofClamps
• Screwclamps
• Strapclamps
• Pivotedclamps
• Hingedclamps
• Swingingclamps
• Quick actionclamps
• Powerclamps
• Non-conventionalclamps

76. ScrewClamps
• Theyare threadeddeviceswith knurledcollar,handknob,
Allenkeys,tommybar orspannerflatsfor rotating and
tightening thescrew.
• Theyare used for lightclamping.
ScrewClamp

77. ScrewClamps
• The clamping area of screw is
providing apad.
increased by
• The clamping pad remains stationary on the
and rubs on
workpiece while the screwrotates
the conical seat of thepad.

78. ScrewClamps
• The disadvantage of screw clamp is, the clamping
pressure largely depends on the workpiece, it varies
from one workpiece toother.
• It ismore timeconsumingand moreeffortsarerequired.

79. ScrewClamps
ClampingScrew

80. ScrewClam
ps
ClampingScrew

81. ScrewClam
ps
ClampingScrew

82. ScrewClam
ps

83. Strap orPlate Clamps

84. Strap/ Plate/ BridgeClamps
• It is verysimpleandreliableclampingdevice.
• The clampingforce isapplied byspringloadednut.
StrapClamp

85. Strap/ Plate/ BridgeClamps
• Theseare made of rectangularplatesand act likelevers.
• The clamps are tightened by rotating a hexagonal nut on a
clampingscrew.
• One end of the clamp presses against the workpiece and the
other end on the heel pin.
• The toe i.e. clamping face of the clamp is curvedand the pressure
face of the heel pin is made sphericalto take care of anyvariations
intheworkpiece.
• Spherical washers permits the clamp to tilt with respect to the
screwand thenut.

86. Strap/ Plate/ BridgeClamps
• Strap clamps are provided with a washer and
spring belowtheclamp.
• The spring lifts the clamp as the nut is loosened and
workpiece becomesfree.
• The Springholds the clamp inaraisedpositionduring
loading and unloading of the workpiece.
• Washerprevents the entry of the spring in the hole of
the clamp.
• Clamp isrotatedaboutthe studto release theworkpiece.

87. StrapClamp:WorkpieceVariation
• The clamp is prevented from rotating during clamping by
providing pinatthe heel-end.
• The clamp stud isusuallyatleast10mmindiameterand nearerto
the toe-end than heel-end of theclamp.

88. StrapClamp:WorkpieceVariation
• Theheelpinengagesthe clamp plate to prevent it from rotating
during clamping.

89. Strap/ Plate /
BridgeClamp
BridgeClamp

90. RetractableStrapClamp
• When clamps fall in
loading and unloading,
the path of
they are
made slotted to permit linear
withdrawal.
• Theclampisretracedto the position
shown by chain dotted line during
loading and unloading of the
workpiece.
• Slotted clamp plate so that the
workpiece can be released without
clamprotation.
• Adjustable heel pin is used where
workpiece height is likely to vary
moreconsiderably.
SlottedStrapClampwith
adjustable heelpin

91. RetractableStrapClamp

92. “U”Clamp
• U Clampcanberemovedaltogetherto facilitate loading
and unloadingof the workpiece.
UClampwithopen slot

93. TwoPointClamp
• It isused to clamp twoworkpiecesorto clampasingle
workpieceattwo locations.

94. SwingingStrapClamp
• Thistype of clampcanberotatedby90oto clearthe passagefor loading and
unloading theworkpiece.
• Theclampis swungto the position shownby the chaindotted line during loading
and unloading oftheworkpieces.
SwingingStrapClamp

95. SpecialStrap
Clamp
• Theclampshapecanbe changedto suitthe workpieceandtheoperation.
SpiderClamporThree-point Clamp
• Circularandsymmetricalworkpiecescanbe clampedwell with a spider clamp
havingthree clampingpoints, no heel pin isnecessary.

96. • GooseneckClampcanreducethe clampheight with respectto the work piece
height.
Strap
Clamp
GooseneckClamp

97. • Strap Clamp clamping two workpieces
StrapClamp
StrapClamp

98. StrapClamp:WorkpieceVariation
UniversalClampwithcylindricalwasher

99. EdgeClamps

100. EdgeStrapClamp
• EdgeClampsare used for clampingworkpieces on the edges
during facing operationsorwhenonlyhorizontalsurfaceisto be
machined.
• Tightening of thehexagonalnutwedgesthe clamp between the
workpiece and the angularheelsurface.
EdgeStrapClamp

101. EdgeJawClamp
• Edgejawclamp slidesdown the inclinedheelasthe
hexagonal nut istightened.
• Tightening of the hexagonalnut pushes the jawagainst
the workpiece to clampits edge.
EdgeJawClamp

102. PivotedClamps

103. PivotedStrapClamp
• Clamps are often pivotedatthe centreto simplify their
operation.
• Knurledheadedscrewisused to loosen and tighten the
clamp.
Pivoted
StrapClamp

104. PivotedEdgeClamp
• Pivotpinisnearer to theclampingpoint.
• Screwisshifted to the end opposite theclampingpoint.
• Clamping screwbecomes more accessibleto theoperator.
PivotedEdge
Clamps

105. PivotedTwo-wayClamp
• Pivot action can be used for two-wayclamping of the
workpiece.
• Tightening of the screw makes the curved surface of the
clamp touch the workpiece and further tightening of
the screw clamps the workpiece vertically and
horizontally.
• Two-wayclamp also pushes the workpiece againsttwo
locators.

106. PivotedTwo-wayClamp

107. Hinged / LatchClamps

108. HingedClamp

109. • Hinged clamp provides rapid clearance of the passagefor
loading andunloading.
• It is clamped with swingingeyebolt. The clamp has open
slot through which the eyebolt can be swung into
position.
• Tightening of the hexagonalnutclamps theworkpiece.
• For loading and unloading the workpiece, the hexagonal
nut is loosened half-a-turn and the eyebolt is swung out
of the open slot to free the hingedplate.
HingedClamp

110. Hinged Two-wayClamp
• Workpiece is pushed against the location pins by the
pivoted edge clamp which also houses the swinging
eyebolt.
• Knurled nut is used to clamp the workpiece against the
locationpins.
• Workpiece is clamped in two direction by the edge
clampandthe padin the hinge.
• For loading and unloading the workpiece, the knurled
nut is loosened half-a-turn and the eyebolt is swung out
of the open slot to free thehingedplate.

111. Hinged Two-wayClamp

112. CWasher

113. CWasher
• Strapclampwith an openslot.
• Simpleandquickinoperation.
• Slot permits quick removalof CWasher aftera slightloosening of
the hexagonalnut.
• C washer is often chained to the fixture or pivoted around a
shoulder screwto prevent itsloss.
• Pivot shoulder screwmakes the Cwashercaptive.

114. SwingingClam
ps

115. SwingingClam
ps
• Thesesclampsareswungto the position.
• Theyrotate in the planeof the plate.
• Figuredepict the swingingclamppivoted
about the shoulderscrew.
• Workpiece is clamped by knurled head
screw.

116. SwingingClam
ps

117. SwingingClam
ps
• Swinginglatch with anopenslot atone end..
• Thelatch isswungaround pivot Pat the otherend.
• ShoulderscrewSentersthe open slot duringoperation.
• Theworkpieceisclampedby knurled headscrew.

118. SwingingClam
ps
• Typesof latchesand their methods
of operation.
• Chain-dotted line shows the latches
in their clear loading and unloading
position.
• Shoulderscrewsare often usedas
pivots for thrustpads.
• The shoulder diameter must be
bigger than the thrust diameter so
that the shoulder face acts as a stop
when the screwistightened.

119. SwingingClam
ps
• Swinging clamp withCWasher

120. QuickAction
Clamps

121. ToggleCla
mp
• Theyprovide considerabledistancefor
loading and unloading of the
workpiece.
• TheCframeclampcanbe swungto the
chain dotted position during loading
andunloading.

122. ToggleCla
mp
• Thepusher-typetoggle clampwithdrawsbackwardsduringunclamping.
• Toggleclampsareprovided with clampingscrewsto accommodateworkpiece
variations.

123. ToggleCla
mp

124. QuickTurnScrew/
ThumbScre
w
• It is used to clamp hingedjig platesand
latcheswithinaquarterturn.
• In unclamped position head of the thumb
screw can pass through the slot provided in
the jig/latchplate.
• The plate can swung clear of the thumb
screwhead.
• For clamping, the thumb screw is turned
90o so its head is right angles to the slot in
the plate.
• The mating surface of the thumb screw
headmust be filedforproperclamping.
• Quarter-turn screws are suitable for light
loadsonly.
• Forheavyloads,swingingeyeboltandknob
combination isused.

125. QuickAction Hand
Nut
CastHandNut
• Theyareavailable with the manufacturersofstandard parts.
• Casthandnuts aremore convenient andlessexpensivethan the turnednuts

126. Ca
m
• Quickclampingby camis veryeffective andverysimple inoperation.
• Thecamtype clampingsystemisusedfor clampingthrough someinterior parts
where other simple systemwill not haveaccess.

127. Ca
m
• Camshifts its mating surfacesto clamporunclamp the workpieces.

128. Multiple
Clamping

129. Double
Clamping
• Twoworkpieceswith limitedvariationcanbe clampedby asinglestrapclamp.
• Thesphericalwashersareprovided between the nut andthe clampwhich allow
the clampto tilt slightlytosuitthevariationinthetwoworkpieces.

130. General clamping methods of common use :
• Screw operated strap clamps
The clamping end of the strap is pressed against
a spring which enables quick unclamping
Common strap type clamping

131. Clamping from side for unobstructed through
machining (like milling, planing and broaching)
of the top surface.
Clamping from side for free machining of the top surface

132. Clamping by swing plates
Such clamping, are simple and relatively quick in
operation but is suitable for jobs of relatively
smaller size, simpler shape and requiring lesser
clamping forces.
Clamping by swing plates

133. Other conventional clamping methods
include :
∗Vices like drilling and milling vices
∗Magnetic chucks
∗Chucks and collets for lathe work

134. Quick clamping methods and systems
ο Use of quick acting nut – a typical of
such nut and its application
Quick acting nut for rapid clamping

135. Cam clamping
Quick clamping by cam is very effective and very
simple in operation. Some popular methods and
systems of clamping by cam.
The cam and screw type clamping system is used
for clamping through some interior parts where other
simple system willnot have access.

136. clamping by cam

138. Quick multiple clamping by pivoted clamps
in series and parallel. This method is capable to
simultaneously clamp number of rods even with
slight diameter variation
Quick multiple locating and clamping of cylindrical jobs

139. Pneumatic and Hydraulic Actuation Clamps
Generally, the above mentioned pneumatic and hydraulic
clamps are actuated by mechanical means. Sometimes,
these are actuated by hydraulic or pneumatic methods
where large production quantities are required.
It facilitates faster clamping, uniform and equalised
clamping pressure and less operator fatigue. It also
provides an accurate controlling over clamping pressure.

140. Hydraulic and pneumatic clamps are grouped
under fluid power clamping since both use of
fluids for generating clamping pressures.
Fluid power clamps are generally actuated by
cylinders. Image shows a clamping fixture with
the clamping links attached to the cylinder piston
and clamp.

141. During clamping of the workpiece the piston
inside the cylinder is actuated by oil or air
pressure, as shown in image.
The piston rod connected to the levers of the
clamp operates and exerts necessary pressure to
the workpiece.
For unclamping, the piston moves back thereby
actuating the levers. The clamping pressure on
the workpiece is released. Hence, the workpiece
can be unloaded

142. Fluid Power Clamp – Pneumatic and Hydraulic
Clamping pressure of all clamps will be equal when there
are number of clamps actuated by a single control
valve. The clamping pressure can be varied by regulating
the pressure of the fluid. Higher pressure can be used for
rough and heavy cuts. The pressure can be considerably
reduced during light finishing cut.
There is a risk of sudden pressure drop when the failure
of power will be. This problem can be eliminated by a
providing a non-return valve in the pressure supply line.
If the power fails, the non-return valve automatically is
closed the passage between the pressure line and the
cylinder.

143. Pneumatically operated clamps differ from hydraulically
operated clamps in the size of the cylinder. Pneumatically
operated clamps require larger cylinder than hydraulic one
because of less pressure exerted by the air. A small hydraulic
cylinder can exert higher pressure as the hydraulic fluid is
incompressible.
Generally, pneumatically operated cylinders are not used
where heavy clamping forces are required because
extremely large cylinders would be required. But
pneumatically operated clamps are convenient because most
of the manufacturing Industries have a hi supply of
compressed air. In a pneumatic clamping, compressed air is
used as the fluid for actuating piston and links. The air is
pressurised about 5 to 6 kg/cm². Generally, a large
compressor is used to supply air to the entire machine shop.

144. Air to Hydraulic Booster
In a hydraulic clamping, hydraulic oils are used as
the fluid for actuating piston and links. Hydraulic
oils are almost incompressible.
Therefore, it will not cause much speed variations
in hydraulic systems during the variation in load.
The operating pressure of hydraulic system ranges
from 0.7 to 25N/mm². Small compact cylinders are
sufficient for developing nigh clamping force.
However, hydraulic cylinders are slow in operation
in comparison with pneumatic actuators. Oil is
recirculated in the system through a reservoir. The
hydraulic operation of a mechanism requires higher

146. The principle of operation of air-to-hydraulic booster is
shown in image. If the air cylinder piston is subjected to
5 N/mm² air pressure and the area of piston is 1000mm²,
a force of 5000N is placed upon the ram. If the ram
diameter is 100mm-. the pressure upon the hydraulic oil
must be 50N/mm.

147. Locating and Clamping Principles initial cost since each
machine or fixture requires an individual cylinder and
power unit.
In modern days, the system of both pneumatic and
hydraulic operated clamps is used. For this purpose, air-to-
hydraulic booster is used which converts low pressure air
into high hydraulic pressure.
A hydraulic pressure of 50N/mm has been produced
from 5N/mm² air pressure, i.e., has increased the
pressure by a ratio of 10: 1. In general, the ratio of an air
to hydraulic booster can be determined by dividing the
area of air piston by the area of hydraulic ram. The high
pressure output is calculated by multiplying the air
pressure by the area ratio.